SCORE: 7.4
Cape Ann Video Review Here
Value (8.1)
$35 for 9 holes and $50 for 18 holes is just about as good a deal you can find, especially in such an expensive area of Massachusetts. If you want to park for a day at Crane Beach or a neighboring town that alone will generally run you $25-$50. The point is, for a full length 9 hole course in Essex, MA I don't really know what price is going to beat this.
Condition (7.0)
Of course with a lower priced 9 holer that is pretty old school, the course could be in better shape. Some slower greens that do roll smooth, dead spots and some parts of the course that could be cleaned up a bit, but you almost just want it to stay exactly as is. It has very testy shots with a fair amount of out of bounds and hazard, and specifically the par 3 can play to 200 yards which is no joke!
Atmosphere (7.2)
This old school club is family run, half of the family basically lives on the course/in the pro shop!
Cape Ann is a gem. Is it the friendly restaurant and bar that has fresh seafood? Is it the course that has beautiful water views for a low price? Is it the groups of kids you see out playing with their buddies developing a love for the game? It's all of it.
The logo is a seagull standing atop a wood post, and a 1931 flag swirling to the sides.
You can essentially see Crane Beach and the Essex conservation area nearby along the course, but most notably on the drop shot par 4, and the beauty of a par 3 7th.